TJD's Budget Frag Tank Build

[thejoshdavis]

I've been wanting, well actually, needing a frag tank for a while. I'm a coral hoarder with a 40 breeder, so I need some extra room. :bigsmile:

Being a reefer and in the general hobby of aquariums I've collected a few things over the years. Stuff I've had, I'm not going to add to the total build since that stuff wasn't purchased directly for the frag tank.

Equipment list:
Stand - DIY from my old freshwater setup
Tetra Whisper 30 - not sure where this came from, it was in the garage
Sponge filter with air pump - pulled from old freshwater setup
100W heater
Old hood and light - I'll either replace this with something better or gut it with a DIY LED kit
Hydor 240 nano powerhead

Cost list:
20g Long tank - Petco - $21.39 (with TN tax)


I may section off the side with the filter(s) with egg crate or run the sponge filter solo.

 

[Duffam3434]

Nice!! I'm thinking about getting a 20L tank as well, So I'm following!!

 

[thejoshdavis]

Thanks!

 

[schooleyosis]

Following!!! Best of luck.

 

[Areswins]

Nice build defiantly fallowing

 

[thejoshdavis]

Added LEDs.

Build price is now $120

 

[schooleyosis]

You're going to run both of those on that tank? You aiming to grow sticks out of the water in a matter of days? Lol

 

[thejoshdavis]

Yeah man! That might explain why my montis is my main tank grow like crazy.

That was just a test to see how everything would work. I have a guy at work crafting up a light bar.

 

[schooleyosis]

Nice!

 

[Rhino]

Any plans for a skimmer?

 

[thejoshdavis]

Not yet. I've given that serious thought and if I do section off the tank I'll get a nano skimmer.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

looking good. i'll jump on and see how it goes.

 

[thejoshdavis]

15g WC on the 40 tonight. "Dirty" water went into the frag tank.

Managed to drop a LED in the frag tank water. Build just got a tad bit more expensive.

 

[Rhino]

That sucks man.

 

[schooleyosis]

You're kidding right???

 

[thejoshdavis]

I wish I was. I have it under a fan and will let it sit for a few days. I'm so frustrated with my DA mistake I can't even remember if it was off or not. I want to say it was because I popped the GFI in the garage while doing this.

 

[schooleyosis]

Man... I'm sorry to hear that. I think that is the best bet is to dry it out completely before powering it up again.

 

[solar]

Id take it apart, And dry it out like that.

 

[thejoshdavis]

Yeah its going to sit for a few days before I attempt to put power to it.

 

[revhtree]

We all like budget! Good job!